JackCohn, One of the Greats

This week we're going to talk about a dog, a dog that is better than most other dogs. His name is JackCohn. JackCohn is my dog, Jovi's brother. We have become the best of friends this summer. Whenever I walk into his house (I say his house because of our dogs' reign over us, let's be honest. We do whatever we have to to make them happy), I am greeted by the most joyful little tail wagging around. He will not walk away until I give him rubies. And when he does walk away, my heart breaks. Jack and Jovi have their families whipped.

Let me tell you a little background about this wonderful red toy poodle. JackCohn has eyes that pierce your soul and a personality that turns your hard inner core into mush. A few years ago, Jack started going blind. I personally believe that this makes him extra special. He is capable of thriving and living his best life even when it threw him a curveball. You can clearly tell that his lack of sight doesn't put a damper on his happiness. Jovi, who hates other dogs, will only tolerate JackCohn and no one else. That's when you know this dog is something special.

JackCohn and Jovi just turned eight this past March. However, they are still puppies at heart. When Jenny, Jack's sister, brings him over to my house, Jack becomes an entirely different dog. Because he can't see well, he is too afraid to run around. But in our yard, he is able to roam free. This dog has the time of his life and it is the absolute highlight of my day. Watching JackCohn run free with no fear in the world is probably one of life's best little pleasures. Just stare into his eyes. Those eyes tell you everything you need to know about the sweetheart that is JackCohn. How lucky am I that my best friend has my doggy's brother!? And how lucky is JackCohn to have an amazing family?!

Jack is the essence of the Cohn's and the love that they give off to others. You just need to take a look into Jack's eyes and you'll immediately feel warmth, comfort and unconditional love. There is no other love like a dog's love. As they say, dogs are only here for part of our lives, but we are their entire lives. And let's be honest, our lives revolve around those perfectly amazing fluff balls we call family. They aren't our pets; they are our siblings. I have also coined myself as JackCohn's godmother. Anyone who snags that title for me should fear for their lives.

Anyway, my queen, Jenny Cohn is leaving to thrive and prosper in Chicago. I am beyond excited for her and look forward to what she will accomplish. Nonetheless, it will absolutely break my heart spending my days without her. Luckily, Jack Cohn and the rest of the fam is down the road to take my mind off of her leaving. Sorry, I'm taking your place, Jenny. Peace Love and JackCohn.

10 Reasons Australian Shepherds Are The Best Dogs

Australian Shepherd's are a long-haired breed of working dog originally bred to herd livestock. Since their beginning, the role has reversed where they make outstanding house pets. Also known as Aussie's, the breed has become a favorite to many families all around the world. These are 10 out of the billions of reasons that Australian Shepherd's are the best dog ever.

1. They are balls of fluff as puppies.

What is this cotton ball running at me!? Oh, wait! That is my Australian Shepherd. When they are small and they still have their baby hair, it sticks out and is really soft. They are a living, breathing, cotton ball with eyes. I might be biased, but Aussie puppies are the cutest puppies. They are so high energy and their personalities are really starting to shine through. They are the kind of puppy that will steal one's heart with one sweet look.

2. They are intelligent.

It comes as no surprise that Australian Shepherd's are the genius of the dog world. With all their energy comes a willingness to be trained in order to drain their battery. They can easily learn basic tricks like sit, lay down, stay, and then some. Heck, my Aussie learned how to give me kisses on command without me even training her! If you are looking for a dog that is easy to train, then you have found your perfect match.

3. They are loyal.

It is also no shocker that Australian Shepherds are loyal dogs. They will love you unconditionally. I cannot tell you how many times I have raised my voice at my dog and she seemed so sad. At the end of the day, she always cuddles up to me and makes me forget why I was even mad in the first place. They are the type of dog that would go back into a burning house to find their owner. Their love for us makes it impossible not to swoon over them

4. They like exercise.

If running is your thing, you Aussie will be up for the challenge of going with you. Australian Shepherds are very active dogs. They like to be outside, running and playing. Making sure they get more than adequate amounts of exercise will make for a happy pup, as well will probably protect your belongings from being ripped up. Just like a child, if they do not get the proper amount of activity, they will get cranky and throw a fit. If you do not have a yard or you do not want to go on a lot of walks, then getting an Aussie is probably not for you. But I promise they will not be too much of a terror as long as you care for them properly.

5. They are happy dogs.

Rebecca Swyers

Aussie's are very happy and it is contagious - just like how another human's happiness is spreadable. Along with all the love they show comes great joy for you and the pup. They will show you that bliss when you come home, feed them, walk them, or just give them attention. If you like the cute picture of this pup, please show her love in the comments section because she is my Australian Shepherd. Her name is Millie. I never said this article was unbiased.

6. They have funny personalities.

They are the quirkiest of dogs. Every single Aussie has a different, individual personality. Like every person, each Aussie is a snowflake (different from the next). For example, I have two Australian Shepherd. Millie (pictured on number 5), is milder tempered than our male Aussie, Mate. While both are high energy, Mate needs to go out more and is a little more pushy for attention. Millie is okay with sitting at home all day but is jealous. Both dogs, are different even though they grew up together.

7. They are born to work.

Shepherd's were originally bred to heard. They come from the Western U.S, despite the name, and were bred to herd livestock in particular. Since this is the case, they are working dogs at heart. They will always be happiest with a job to do. If you live on land and have different types of cattle, the Aussie is the perfect dog to help you on the ranch. If not, be sure to give them sort of job. My dogs have took it upon themselves to keep my cats herded inside, despite never training them to do so. If you give them sort of job, they will love you and be happy.

8.They are gentle giants.

While Aussie's are not really "giants", they sure are gentle. They are very docile when it comes to children and people they know they should be around. They will not be the one's to bite your fingers when you give them a treat, they will gently grab it from you. They are very sweet dogs which is part of what makes them the best breed of dog. What is not to love about a dog that will literally skip for you.

9. They are sleepy pups.

With hard work comes a hard nap and the Australian Shepherd is the master of nap time. Aussie's are the best cuddle buddies know to man. While dogs are mans best friend, the Australian Shepherd is the BFF. They do get tired from all the hard work and the exhaustive activity of loving you. This makes them great at naps. They will sleep when you sleep and sleep when you are not sleeping. They will also cuddle the heck out of you while you are taking a siesta as well.

10. They have a wiggle butt.

The final reason that the Australian Shepherd is the best dog ever is their wiggle butt. When they get excited or happy, they will shake their whole back end. Since their tails typically get docked as babies, they do not have a tail to wag. Since that is the case, they will shake their whole butt like they would their tail. It is honestly the cutest thing you might ever see. It is just another reason to give all your love to this special breed of dog. If you need video proof of their wiggle butt please click here.

While I can think of billions of reasons that Australian Shepherd's are the best dog you could have, I have provided 10 of my favorite qualities about this special breed of dog. Dogs are truly man's best friends, but Aussie's are better than the other dogs. I may be biased, but you can be someday too.

Volunteering At An Animal Shelter Makes Me Believe In Second Chances

I've always been an animal lover but it wasn't until I took a class called Civic Engagement that I started volunteering with animals regularly.

Civic Engagement is a mandatory class at my school, Florida Gulf Coast University, that educates students on the importance of being an active member of society and giving back to the community. When FGCU was founded the school promised that in return for deforesting trees in order to build the school, students would give back to the community in years to follow.

Many students think of this class as either an easy A, or a waste of time. I was indifferent about the class before I took it, but since taking it I see how beneficial it is for students.

Basically, your final grade is dependant on one big, semester-long project. Students chose an organization or cause at the start of the semester and as a group somehow aid the cause/organization.

My relationship with DAS started off as just one for class, but the more I learned and was trained to properly handle the animals the more I fell in love with the organization and rekindled my love for animals.

Most people avoid animal shelters because they think they're too sad.

The first few times I went to DAS I felt sad too, as I walked past the cats and dogs in cages.

After working hands-on with the animals in the shelter, the staff and volunteers I'm happy to spend time in the shelter because I know by socializing these animals and showing the love I'm helping them become more adoptable.

I can't speak for all shelters, but the dogs and cats at DAS are shown love and compassion. They aren't trapped in cages all day, they're outside learning tricks and playing with other animals.

Most people that chose to work with animals really love animals and enjoy spending time with them.

Animal shelters aren't places of sadness and despair, they're places for second chances.